Head of Communications and Engagement, Office of the PSC

We are currently looking for aHead of Communications and Engagement for the independent Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in communicating the activities of the Patient Safety Commissioner who is hosted by the MHRA.

This is a full-time opportunity on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2028basis secondments or loans will be considered. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU and some office attendance will be required in this office and in other locations set by the Commissioner. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Who are we

The Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner (OPSC) is an independent Statutory Office hosted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Patient Safety Commissioner is accountable to Parliament and appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review First Do No Harm published in July 2020 by Baroness Cumberlege recommended the establishment of a Patient Safety Commissioner to champion the patient voice and support and encourage the efforts of the healthcare system to improve patient safety around the use of medicines and medical devices. Our purpose is to listen to patients amplify their voices and drive the system towards the safe use of medicines and medical devices.

Whats the role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a communications and engagement professional to play a key role in communicating the important work of the Independent Patient Safety Commissioners Office. This is a broad communications role needing experience of all aspects of communication and engagement working in a fast-paced matrix environment where priorities often change and there is a significant amount of complexity.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic advice to the Patient Safety Commissioner on all communications and engagement matters including visits presentations press and social media and speeches including drafting communications materials.

• Plan and manage media social media and the PSC website including proactive engagement with media on key subject areas and report launches and developing and delivering social media content.

• Manage the PSC communications network and stakeholder lists and devise and manage engagement opportunities and visits for the PSC producing communications plans and creating follow-up content

• Create impactful presentations for the PSC to showcase key content and devise infographics as required.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill demonstrate the following.

• Demonstrable track record of developing communications and engagement strategies and delivering complex programmes and campaigns using a range of communications tools and techniques.

• Communicating and Influencing - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral with the ability to accurately and confidently communicate influence and challenge staff and external contacts at all levels.

• Managing a Quality Service - Experience of maintaining multiple projects whilst ensuring all risks are mitigated. Proactively manage risks and identify solutions.

• Excellent experience in engaging and mapping out key stakeholders to communicate key messages. Demonstrate positive customer service by understanding the complexity and diversity of customer needs and expectations

• Proven experience of working well under pressure and at pace within a complex business and political environment.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment: AApplication TTest IInterview PPresentation

BehaviourCriteria:

• Communicating and Influencing (A I P)

• Managing a Quality Service (A I)

Experience Criteria:

• Demonstrable track record of developing communications and engagement strategies and delivering complex programmes and campaigns using a range of communications tools and techniques.(A I)

• Excellent experience in engaging and mapping out key stakeholders to communicate key messages. Demonstrate positive customer service by understanding the complexity and diversity of customer needs and expectations.(A I)

• Proven experience of working well under pressure and at pace within a complex business and political environment.(A I)

• Relevant experience in a government communications or public body communications role.(A I)

• Experience of managing widescale engagement programmes would be desirable as is working with the media.(A I)

Technical Criteria:

• A relevant qualification along with membership of CIM CIPR or other relevant professionalbody desirable.(A)

Strengths:

• Strategic (I)

• Service Focused (I)

• Networker (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Technical Success Profiles.Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• A 5-minute presentation will be required at the beginning of the interview no slides or visual aids to be used.

• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criterion of candidates demonstrating the following.

• Demonstrable track record of developing communications and engagement strategies and delivering complex programmes and campaigns using a range of communications tools and techniques.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others or generated by artificial intelligence as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date:1^st December 2025

Shortlisting date: from 2^nd December 2025

Interview date:from 15^th December 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questionsplease contact

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality information on whether you are able to apply is availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact Florentina OleylamiHead of Talent Acquisition.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ